The holiday season is chock-full of celebrations, festivities, and gatherings with family and friends. However, from a security perspective, it’s when high-profile individuals are most vulnerable. Large crowds, loud noises, and highly exposed venues can pose significant risks to executives and other high-profile individuals. Without the right precautions, festive events can quickly turn into chaotic or dangerous situations.
If you’re particularly concerned about the potential security risks during the holiday season, hiring executive protection specialists can make a huge difference.
Why do you need tighter security during the holidays?
During this time of year, there are several risks that executives and high-profile individuals are exposed to:
- Larger crowds: The large number of people out and about during the holidays provides the perfect cover and opportunity for pickpockets, kidnappers, and other criminals
- Travel: The holiday season is a popular time for travel, which can expose executives to unfamiliar and potentially unsafe environments. Having an executive protection specialist by your side when you’re traveling can provide added security and peace of mind.
- Public events: Parades, concerts, and festivals don’t just have a lot of people; they can be tempting targets for terrorists and other malicious actors. If you’re participating in such events, an executive protection specialist can help keep you safe.
- Increased alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption at holiday gatherings can impair judgment and increase the risk of accidents and altercations. Those unfamiliar with handling such situations may struggle to manage them effectively but, fortunately, executive protection specialists are trained in de-escalation techniques and can handle these situations with ease.
By hiring an executive protection specialist, you can mitigate these risks and enjoy the holiday season without worrying about your safety.
How can executive protection specialists help manage heightened security risks?
Executive protection specialists are trained to manage heightened risks and ensure the safety of individuals in various environments. Their duties go beyond just standing guard — they take a proactive approach to security by focusing on four primary responsibilities:
Risk assessment
The first thing an executive protection specialist does is evaluate your risk profile during the holidays. They assess the environment, the profile of the attendees, and any known threats or incidents from past events. This includes gathering intelligence about locations, understanding potential challenges posed by crowds, and identifying any individuals who may pose a threat to the safety of the person being protected.
Access control
Managing who enters and exits a location is a critical aspect of maintaining safety during the holidays. At residences, hotels, or other accommodations, an executive protection specialist can monitor entrances and install CCTV cameras and other surveillance systems.
At public events, they can work closely with event organizers and security personnel to set up barricades, check attendee credentials, and provide VIP entry for the person under protection.
Observation and monitoring
The job doesn’t end with simple access control; specialists are trained to observe the surroundings for any signs of unusual activity. Whether it’s a crowd growing unruly or individuals acting suspiciously, executive protection specialists are keenly aware of their environment. They monitor for any early indicators of trouble and take early avoidance tactics such as moving their client away from potential danger or changing the planned route or activity.
Threat response
Executive protection specialists are experts in threat response, using various strategies to de-escalate situations or neutralize risks quickly. De-escalation tactics may include calming individuals who are becoming aggressive or redirecting crowds to lessen the potential for danger.
If a venue or event is particularly risky, specialists may coordinate with local law enforcement to ensure a swift response in case of emergencies. On the off chance an issue escalates to a full-blown security emergency, specialists have extensive firearms training to neutralize any potential threats that place the person under their protection in imminent danger. Most are also experienced in transportation security so that their clients can be quickly and safely evacuated from an area if necessary.
| Related reading: Choosing the right security services |
Let Aspis Protection Service keep you safe during the holidays
Aspis Protection Service offers professional and discreet executive protection services that ensure your safety during the holidays. Our specialists have experience in handling a variety of environments and scenarios, providing you with peace of mind while you celebrate the festive season. Contact Aspis Protection Service today to get started.